I have a job. It's not glamorous, but it's honorable work. Like I said to my dad (who reluctantly approved), "the only reason is exists is because people are too lazy to pick up their own damn pizza. I'm capitalizing off others' laziness." Ain't it true.

That being said, it pays $5.50 an hour, plus $0.85 per delivery (for mileage, hell that won't cover it, but it's alright), PLUS, of course, tips. As long as I can read a map and be polite to people, I think I'll get tipped a nice amount.

I start next Monday. So if you see a 96 black Corolla driving around Crofton/Bowie with a Dominos sign on top, PLEASE DON'T GET IN A CAR ACCIDENT WITH IT. Because it's ME. And Geico has no idea I'm delivering pizzas. If they find out they'll jack my rates up higher than my buddy Andy on 4/20.


With a lot more time on the road, I also need new mixtapes. So that's what I've been making lately.

Making a new ska mixtape right now, because I NEVER listen to ska anymore, and I feel bad. So I'm putting a bunch of new, excellent, even some live cuts for ska music. Toasters, Skatalites, Hepcat, Pietasters, Bad Manners, English Beat, Daycare Swindlers, they're all there.

shit, dont touch me ¶ 2:09 AM |

oh we kissed only once
in your stripped out apartment
you sold your furniture
so we kissed on the carpet

you were my fiji
oh believe me
those hours with you only expand
but i fell in love with
somebody else's sand
somebody else's dry land

-vanderslice



My playlist has recently consisted of the musical styling of John Vanderslice’s Time Travel Is Lonely album, Death by Stereo’s Death For Life, and Fall Out Boy’s From Under the Cork Tree album. The latter two not exactly being groundbreaking music, but I love both bands, and will see them live every chance I get. Vanderslice is good for after I’ve listened to a year’s worth of Mountain Goats, and need a break.

Animal Collective’s brilliant Sung Tongs have also taken a few spins on my stereo.

I’ve job hunted so relentlessly to a point where some days I considered just giving up. I was as close to honest as one can get when talking to potential employers, and while some genuine seemed to appreciate it, it was that honesty that prevented me from getting hired.

I followed up at Bass Pro/Outdoor World, which Brent originally mentioned to me. I was able to speak directly to one of the Team Leaders of the camping/hiking department, Bob. Bob seemed like a very nice old man, we had a short chat about a relative of his who’s going to Buff State next year. He mentioned to me that there was a rush right now, and that he’d try and track down my application to set me up for an interview. Now, this sounds promising, right? Possibly. Most likely. But I’ve come this close to a job before, and it doesn’t always work out. If I don’t get a call back by Tuesday afternoon, I’m leaving another voicemail for Bob. If I don’t get a job here, then I don’t know. Maybe I’ll follow Lucas’ lead and deliver pizzas. $500 a goddamn week. My parents would hate it, but damn. Order a god damn pizza.

I find myself being involved in occasional theological discussions/arguments where I act (to the best of my ability) as the Christian apologetic I consider myself to be. Even after all this, I’ve found myself the last couple months lacking the faith and devotion that originally gave me more strength. When I do mention Jesus, it’s only to defend my beliefs, and is no longer in praise of Him, or asking forgiveness for myself, or prayers for others. This is what I need to work on.

As for subtle mentions of spirituality in beautifully orchestrated guitar songs, look no further than Sufjan Stevens. Next to Darneille and Vanderslice, this guy’s my new favorite singer.

Tomorrow (well, today) is Father’s Day, and me and Pops are going to see the Orioles (hopefully) kill, main, and destroy the Colorado Rockies. He doesn’t understand everything about me, or the things I write, or the music I share with my mother – but man is he a good, honest, caring person. Moreso than I could ever hope to be. Any of you reading this who admire, respect, or envy me in ANY sort of way – you have my father to thank. He works long hours, pays his taxes, loves his family, and is one of the main reasons I still have faith in humanity. And he’s a better golfer than me. ¶ 1:46 AM |

Just picked up the new Death By Stereo today --- at first I was like "okay" but the more I listen to it, the more fucking amazing it is. Dan and Tito are given more chances to show their masterful moves with the guitar -- Pulley bassist Tyler Rebbe is excellent, and Efrem's vocals extend into territories previously unexplored.

It's the same Death By Stereo lyrics that you expect, that come blazing at you with such intensity and ferocity that you just feel like chanting "DEATH FOR LIFE!" along at the end of my favorite track, Nosotros Controlamos Todo.

The other tracks are great too -- Entombed We Collide and Forget Regret, which just sum up the DBS philosphy so well -- not letting the past bring you down, and moving forward.

"Don't Piss On My Neck And Tell Me It's Raining" is not only the best song title ever but it also manages to be a fantastic half-ballad, half-giant killing fucking rockfest. What a great band. Seen em live twice, and plan on seeing them as many times as possible in the future.

__________

I have a few more chances at decent jobs, as of late -- Brent's helping me try and get a position at Bass Pro, while I have a good shot of landing a $10/hour office assistant job in Greenbelt. I get my long distance glasses tomorrow, as well.

bedtime now. ¶ 1:35 AM |

Tired as heck.


I’m still doing a relentless job hunt that just doesn’t seem to be going my way. But I have a good feeling about this week.

My birthday was Saturday, and it was a good day. Had a small birthday party with a good crowd – 13-17 people, depending on who came and who left. All my good friends found a way to show up, play a few hands of poker, or do a toast of 151 with me to celebrate. Adam Durkin and Brent found a way to come as well, and it was really great seeing them. Took plenty of pictures, so I’ll have to get them up here at some point.

I’ll stay away from some of the other details, haha. No need to post them here.

Saw Dog Fashion Disco with Laura, that was cool. Catatonik was a great opener for them, and DFD was intennnnsseee. Todd Smith has a really powerful voice, and Ollie was quite efficient on the drums. Very loud. Kinda rowdy. But mostly loud.


New Death By Stereo JUNE 7TH! Manowar and Rhapsody this Thursday? Who wants to front me $35.... ? ¶ 9:54 PM |

Only two writers would go to a damn pizzeria to order soup and onion petals.

I had a really cool day just mulling around my old neighborhood in Takoma Park, and Washington DC with a new addition to the few people in Maryland that I can truly call my friends. Told some fun stories back and forth, visited the Folger Shakespeare Library, and wrote a back and forth poem that started out as pleasent observations, and turned into the most negative stuff in the world, hah. Just one of those enjoyable, carefree days that are nice to have once in a while.

I'm hoping to still catch Dog Fashion on Friday, and at least TRY to organize poker game on Saturday, which also happens to be my birthday. I could really care less if people remember, get me something, even return my damn phone calls. Don't matter to me. As long as I can get a job soon, continue to write, find someone to get me a gin and tonic at least once a week, and listen to my music this summer, I don't care.


Before I rest for tonight, I put my playlist on shuffle and wrote down the first 10 songs that played. It's pretty amusing:


1) Bob Dylan - All Along the Watchtower
2) Why? - Early Whitney
3) Desmond Dekker - Rudy Got Soul
4) Bob Dylan - Knockin' on Heavens Door
5) Elliot Smith - Ballad of Big Nothing
6) 50 Cent - What Up Gangsta
7) They Might Be Giants - Thunderbird
8) The Game - Hate It Or Love It
9) Bjork - Bachelorette
10) Mountain Goats - You Or Your Memory ¶ 10:37 PM |